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State Republican Party Chairman Kirby Wilbur is trying to rally support for state Democratic Sens. Rodney Tom, D-Medina, and Tim Sheldon, D-Potlatch.

Tom and Sheldon are expected to cross party lines on Monday and give Republicans control of the state Senate for the first time in eight years. Tom is in line to become the new Senate majority leader under the arrangement.

Wilbur sent out an email to the party’s list of Republicans on Jan. 10 urging them to call Tom’s office to support his actions.

“With Republicans at the helm of the Ways & Means and K-12 committees, a no-new-taxes budget and real education reform are now at the forefront of this year’s legislative session. For that we owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Tom and Sheldon’s bold leadership!” Wilbur wrote. “Please call Senator Tom today and thank him for joining with the coalition!”

Tom is under fire from his own party for giving Republicans control of the Senate. Democratic activists in Seattle’s 43rd district are expected to vote Tuesday to censure Tom. A proposed resolution calls Tom’s behavior “perfidious” and vows the district will withdraw support for anybody in Tom’s district who supports his re-election.

House Speaker Frank Chopp, Senate Majority Leader Ed Murray (soon to be minority leader) and Rep. Jaime Pedersen, all Democrats, represent the 43rd District.

Here’s the full email:

Friend,

Last month Democrat state Senators Rodney Tom and Tim Sheldon joined forces with our Senate Republicans to form the new Majority Coalition Caucus. Barring an unforeseen setback, Republicans will chair 6 committees, co-chair 3 others and Senator Tom will become Senate Majority Leader once the legislature convenes on January 14.

Will you call Senator Tom’s office at 360-786-7694 and say that you stand in support of him, Senator Sheldon and the entire Majority Coalition Caucus?

With Republicans at the helm of the Ways & Means and K-12 committees, a no-new-taxes budget and real education reform are now at the forefront of this year’s legislative session. For that we owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Tom and Sheldon’s bold leadership!

Please call Senator Tom today and thank him for joining with the coalition!

In Victory,

Kirby Wilbur
Chairman, Washington State Republican Party

P.S. Please be sure to call Senator Rodney Tom at 360-786-7694 and thank him for his support of the Majority Coalition Caucus!